The goal of anyone that starts to practice TaeKwonDo is get a black belt. This, at first, seemingly impossible task, took me 3 years. Once I tested and passed for my black belt, the next goal I set was to get my 2nd degree blacTaekwondo Black Belt Levels: A Complete Guide to Dan and Poom Ranks
When I started Taekwondo, my eyes were set on one prize: the black belt. After three years of sweat, discipline, and countless kicks, I finally earned my 1st Dan—a moment of pride that felt like summiting a mountain. But standing there, belt in hand, I realized it was just the first peak. What came next? How many black belt levels are there, and what does it take to climb each one? That curiosity led me to dig into the structure of Taekwondo’s black belt ranks, from time requirements to poomsae, and I’m sharing what I learned to help you map your own path.
This guide focuses on the World Taekwondo (WT) and Kukkiwon system, the global standard for Taekwondo ranks, but note that other organizations like ITF or ATA may have different requirements. Whether you’re aiming for your first Dan or dreaming of Grandmaster status, here’s everything you need to know about Taekwondo’s black belt levels.
Understanding the Black Belt System: Dan and Poom
In Taekwondo, black belt ranks are called Dan (degrees) for adults and Poom for children under 15. These ranks signify mastery, discipline, and growth, with each level building on the last. The journey to 1st Dan typically takes 2–3 years of consistent training, starting from a white belt. From there, advancing through the 10 Dan levels—or 4 Poom levels for kids—requires years of dedication, skill, and contributions to the art.
Kukkiwon, the World Taekwondo Headquarters, oversees official Dan and Poom certifications, ensuring global recognition. Certification involves fees (set by Kukkiwon) and registration, often handled by your school. Each rank comes with a specific poomsae (form), testing requirements, and minimum time in grade, as outlined in the table below:
| Belt Level | Years in Grade | Name | Poomsae | Min. Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Dan/Poom | 2–3 years (from white belt) | Cho Dan | Koryo | 15 (Dan), <15 (Poom) |
| 2nd Dan/Poom | 1 year | Ee Dan | Keumgang | 16 (Dan), <15 (Poom) |
| 3rd Dan/Poom | 2 years | Sam Dan | Taebaek | 18 (Dan), <15 (Poom) |
| 4th Dan/Poom | 3 years | Sa Dan | Pyongwon | 21 (Dan), <15 (Poom) |
| 5th Dan | 4 years | Oh Dan | Sipjin | 25 |
| 6th Dan | 5 years | Yuk Dan | Jitae | 30 |
| 7th Dan | 6 years | Chil Dan | Cheonkwon | 36 |
| 8th Dan | 7 years | Pal Dan | Hansu | 44 |
| 9th Dan | 8 years | Ku Dan | Ilyo | 53 |
| 10th Dan | 9 years | Sip Dan | None | 60 |
The Path to Each Black Belt Level
1st Dan/Poom: The Senior Student
Earning your 1st Dan or Poom marks you as a senior student, typically after 2–3 years of training. You must be at least 15 for Dan or under 15 for Poom. Tests include the Koryo poomsae, one-step and free sparring, board breaking (e.g., two 1-inch boards), self-defense, and a written exam on Taekwondo history and etiquette. You’ll need to demonstrate proficiency in all color belt techniques, showing speed, power, and focus.
At this stage, you may begin assisting with classes, teaching white belts or younger students under your instructor’s guidance. This role builds leadership and reinforces your skills. For Poom holders, tests are less physically demanding but still rigorous, focusing on forms and basics.
2nd Dan/Poom: The Certified Instructor
After at least 1 year as a 1st Dan or Poom, you can test for 2nd Dan (minimum age 16) or 2nd Poom. The Keumgang poomsae, symbolizing strength, is required, along with advanced sparring, breaking (e.g., multiple boards with different techniques), and self-defense against grabs or weapons. A written exam may cover Taekwondo philosophy or Kukkiwon standards.
You’re now eligible to become a certified instructor (Kyosa Nim), teaching older or intermediate students with a Master’s oversight. This level emphasizes refining techniques and mentoring others, reflecting Taekwondo’s tenet of integrity.
3rd Dan/Poom: The Senior Instructor
With 2 years as a 2nd Dan or Poom, you can test for 3rd Dan (minimum age 18) or 3rd Poom. The Taebaek poomsae, representing sacredness, is central, alongside complex sparring, breaking (e.g., three boards with a single kick), and self-defense scenarios. Written exams may test leadership or advanced terminology.
As a Senior Instructor, you guide color belt students and assist with black belt training. Your role in the dojang grows, emphasizing perseverance and responsibility.
4th Dan/Poom: The Master
After 3 years, you can test for 4th Dan (minimum age 21) or 4th Poom. The Pyongwon poomsae, symbolizing vastness, is required, along with high-level sparring, breaking (e.g., spinning or jumping kicks), and self-defense against multiple opponents. You may need to submit an essay on Taekwondo’s impact or teach a class independently.
At this level, you’re a Master (Sabum Nim), qualified to lead black belts and promote color belts up to 1st Dan. Many 4th Dans open their own schools, sharing Taekwondo’s spirit globally.
5th Dan: The Experienced Master
With 4 years as a 4th Dan, you can test for 5th Dan (minimum age 25). The Sipjin poomsae, representing stability, is key, alongside demonstrations of all prior poomsae, advanced breaking, and teaching proficiency. Physical tests lessen, with focus on your contributions, like mentoring instructors or organizing events.
You can now promote black belts to higher Dans and train Assistant Instructors to become Masters, embodying Taekwondo’s tenet of indomitable spirit.
6th–7th Dan: The Senior Master
After 5 years (6th Dan, minimum age 30) and 6 years (7th Dan, minimum age 36), you test for Senior Master ranks. Poomsae include Jitae (6th, symbolizing humanity) and Cheonkwon (7th, representing heaven). Tests emphasize teaching, leadership, and contributions, such as refereeing or serving on a Taekwondo board. Physical demonstrations are tailored to age, focusing on technique over power.
You work under a Grandmaster, training instructors and shaping the dojang’s culture, reflecting deep commitment to Taekwondo.
8th–9th Dan: The Grandmaster
Achieving 8th Dan (7 years, minimum age 44) or 9th Dan (8 years, minimum age 53) marks you as a Grandmaster (Kwan Jang Nim). Poomsae include Hansu (8th, symbolizing water) and Ilyo (9th, representing unity). Physical tests, if required, are minimal (e.g., a medical clearance may suffice), but you must demonstrate lifelong dedication through leadership, refereeing, or global promotion of Taekwondo.
These ranks are rare, reserved for those who’ve shaped the art, like founding schools or mentoring generations of black belts.
10th Dan: The Great Grandmaster
The 10th Dan (minimum age 60, after 9 years as 9th Dan) is an honorary rank, often awarded posthumously to those who’ve profoundly influenced Taekwondo, like pioneers or global ambassadors. No poomsae is assigned, as this level transcends technique, honoring a legacy of service.
Children’s Poom Ranks
For students under 15, Poom ranks (1st to 4th) replace Dan ranks. After earning a red-black belt (1st Geup), a child can test for 1st Poom, requiring about 2–3 years from white belt. Subsequent Poom levels require 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. Tests focus on poomsae (e.g., Koryo for 1st Poom), simpler breaking, and basic sparring, with no adult-level self-defense or teaching. At 15, Poom ranks convert to the corresponding Dan, allowing progression to higher levels. Poom holders cannot teach adults until 17.
Beyond the Belt: The True Meaning of Black Belt
For many, the black belt is the ultimate goal, but as I learned, it’s just the start. Over half of 1st Dan students stop training, thinking they’ve “made it.” For me, tying on that black belt felt like resetting to white belt—ready to learn anew. Each Dan level deepens your skills, philosophy, and responsibility to pass on Taekwondo’s values: courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit.
Testing varies by school and association (e.g., WT, ITF, ATA), so check with your instructor for specifics. Kukkiwon’s standards include physical tests (forms, sparring, breaking), mental preparation (exams, essays), and service (teaching, refereeing). Higher Dans reward contributions, like founding dojangs or promoting Taekwondo globally. Never wash your belt—it carries the “battle scars” of your training, a tradition symbolizing hard-earned knowledge.
Tips for Your Black Belt Journey
Advancing through Dan ranks takes discipline and patience. Train 2–3 times weekly, attend special classes (e.g., sparring or breaking), and practice poomsae daily to internalize patterns. Assist in classes to hone teaching skills, and study Taekwondo’s history and tenets for written exams. Mentally, embrace setbacks as growth opportunities, aligning with Taekwondo’s philosophy of resilience. Under a qualified instructor, your progress will reflect your commitment, not just time served.
For more on Taekwondo’s roots, read our post on its history and evolution. Whether you’re chasing 1st Dan or a distant Grandmaster rank, every step on this path builds not just skill but character.